BLACK AND WHITE PORTRAITUREA01 | ZMINA HAWTHORNE

DAVID BAILEYI like this black and white photograph of the Queen, taken by David Bailey. It’s a simple portrait taken of her smiling. I like this photograph because of her smile reflects a genuine emotion. I think this photograph may have been taken with a small aperture as there is a lot of light in the photograph, I also think this picture may have been taken with a fast shutter speed. This picture also looks like it may have been well lit.

This photograph was taken by David Bailey also. The dark backdrop makes the model stand out against it and draws the viewers eyes towards her. This photograph in my opinion, conveys a sense of mystery. I think this photograph may have a larger aperture because of the darker background, the lens would have had to let a lot more light in to get the photograph he wanted.

This photograph of Johnny Depp was taken by David Bailey also, this photograph shows Johnny Depp in a close up perspective, only showing his face, shoulders and hands in the photograph, the shutter speed on this photograph may have been a fast one to capture the look on his face. Also, the aperture would have been an average sized one as the picture is well lit but also because there are dark parts of the photograph (such as his shirt). In my opinion, it seems as the picture was taken just when Depp had taken his hands away from his eyes which gives the impression that he is opening up.

IRVING PENNThis photograph was taken by Irving Penn, this portrait in my opinion isn’t a conventional one as the models eyes are closed and covered with what seems to be face paint or ink and unlike the average portrait. This photograph is softly lit as you can see where the shadows are on the collarbones of the model. I think that photograph may have been taken with a small aperture as the photograph is well lit, most likely with studio lighting.

This photograph of Debbie Harry was also taken by Irving Penn. From what you can see from the photograph her face and hand is harshly lit which draws the viewers face to her face almost instantly. Also the way her hand it lit and the way it curves draws the eye towards Harry’s face. This photo is a typical informal and inviting photograph. The left side of the background is pitch black which also emphasizes on the main subject of the photograph – her face. This photograph may have been taken with a larger aperture as backdrop is very dark.

This photograph was also taken by Irving Penn. In my opinion I like this photograph because the most unique part of the photograph is the models freckles and how the photograph depicts them. This photograph was butterfly lit, this is evident from the small shadow underneath the models nose and the how the light bounces off the models eyelashes. The photograph is also harshly lit and this evident as you can see the freckles almost can’t be seen on the middle of her forehead which also suggests that flash may have been used.

ZHANG JINGNAThis photograph taken by Zhang Jingna. This photograph seems to be a fashion photograph, this is apparent by the models clothing and make-up. This seems to be more of a formal photograph by the straight look on the models face. The dark black color of the dress and hair of the model against the white backdrop is of high contrast. I think the aperture used to take this photograph may have been small as the model and backdrop seems to be well lit. In terms of framing and rule of thirds, the model is directly between the second and third portions of the photograph.

This photograph, also taken by Zhang Jingna seems to be a informal portrait of a child which is suggested by the models facial expression – her wink. In terms of framing, the model is centered and in the second third of the frame. Again, like the last photo, the contrast between the hair and clothes the child has on and the backdrop is very high as her hair and jacket are pitch black.

This photograph also taken by Zhang Jingna. The dark shadow behind her head defines her face but also her hair and makes them stand out more, her clothing also has this effect as backdrop is lighter than her clothing it makes her stand out from the backdrop. This model seems to have been lit from the left side of her face which have created shadows against her nose and the rest of her face which defines the left side of her face even more.